If you’ve spent time around Mandurah’s estuary or beaches, you’ve likely seen bottlenose dolphins gliding through the shallows, playing in boat wakes or herding fish near the canals. But behind the beauty of this daily display is a sobering reality — Mandurah is considered one of the leading dolphin stranding hotspots in Western Australia.
What causes these strandings? Why is this region so prone to them? And what can we — as a community — do to help?
⚠️ What Is a Dolphin Stranding?
A dolphin stranding happens when one or more dolphins end up in shallow water or onshore, unable to return to deeper water on their own. These incidents can be fatal if not responded to quickly, as dolphins are air-breathing mammals that can suffer internal injury, overheating, or stress when stuck on land or in very shallow water.
Strandings can involve a single dolphin, a mother and calf, or in rarer cases, entire pods. In Mandurah, strandings are often reported in the Peel-Harvey Estuary, Serpentine River, or even in narrow residential canals.
🌊 Why Mandurah?
There are a few key reasons why dolphin strandings are more common here than in many other regions:
1. Shallow, Shifting Waterways
The Peel-Harvey Estuary is a dynamic environment with tidal flats, sandbanks, and shallow inlets. These change constantly due to tides and sediment movement, which can confuse even experienced dolphins — especially young calves or sick individuals.
2. Dense Boat Traffic
Mandurah’s growing popularity as a holiday and lifestyle destination means more boats, jet skis, and fishing activity on the water. Loud engine noise can interfere with dolphin echolocation, making it harder for them to navigate or hunt effectively.
3. Health and Environmental Stress
Water quality issues — such as algal blooms, pollution, and reduced fish stocks — can weaken dolphins and lead to disorientation. If a sick or starving dolphin becomes separated from its pod, the risk of stranding increases.
👥 What Happens During a Stranding?
When a dolphin is found stranded, time is critical. Local wildlife groups, including DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions), often lead the response with help from trained volunteers.
They assess the dolphin’s condition, check for injuries, and determine whether it can be safely returned to the water. In some cases, the dolphin may need monitoring or veterinary attention before it can be released.
One key tool used in Mandurah is flotation mats or rescue pontoons, which allow responders to move the dolphin without causing stress or damage.
🤝 How the Community Can Help
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to make a difference. Here’s how locals and visitors can help reduce stranding risks and assist when needed:
- Report stranded dolphins immediately to the Wildcare Helpline: 📞 (08) 9474 9055
- Avoid crowding a stranded dolphin — stay back and follow responder instructions
- Keep waterways clean by reducing litter and avoiding dumping waste in drains or canals
- Slow down when boating in shallow areas, especially near dolphins
- Support local dolphin research groups and awareness programs
📈 From Hotspot to Hope
While Mandurah’s status as a stranding hotspot may sound alarming, it also means the region has developed some of the most experienced dolphin rescue efforts in the country.
Regular monitoring, community education, and well-practised response plans have saved dozens of dolphins over the years. With continued awareness and support, we can reduce future strandings and give these amazing animals a fighting chance.
🐾 Final Thought
Every dolphin matters — and every minute counts during a stranding. By staying informed and ready to help, we can ensure Mandurah’s dolphins are not just watched and admired — but protected when they need it most.